Illegal mining, commonly referred to as “galamsey,” remains a critical challenge in Ghana, posing severe environmental and security threats. Many stakeholders have continuously raised concerns about the devastating effects of illegal mining on water bodies, forests, and the livelihoods of local communities. Rev. Fr. Joseph Blay, an Environmentalist and strong advocate against illegal mining has called on government to take an immediate action against illegal mining.
Rev. Fr. Blay began his statement by acknowledging the efforts of the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, describing him as a man of integrity and dedication. He eulogized;
“I congratulate the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources. I think he is a man that we had great expectations of, because even from the opposition side in Parliament, he has been a strong advocate and defender of our lands and natural resources.”
Rev. Fr. Joseph Blay, Environmentalist
However, Rev. Fr. Blay stressed that while expectations were high, what was needed now was not the creation of new regulations but the full enforcement of existing laws.
According to Rev. Fr. Blay, Ghana already has comprehensive regulations, if properly implemented would effectively address illegal mining. He cited;
“We have very good regulations. Our Lands, Minerals, and Mining Law, Act 703, is there. We have all the amendments. So, what we need to do is the implementation, first and foremost.”
“As the president mandated on 30th January, he said that he is now asking them to arrest all those who are involved in mining, to ban mining in forest reserves, and mining on riverbeds. So first of all, we have to put into action the existing laws before thinking of anything else.”
Rev. Fr. Joseph Blay, Environmentalist
Revoking Regulations Against Galamsey
Rev. Fr. Blay highlighted specific legal provisions that, in his view, needed to be reconsidered. He pointed out;
“For example, the Anti-Galamsey Coalition has pleaded several times that we revoke LI 2462 and EI 144, which have given authority for estate development in the Achimota Forest and mining in forest areas. These are things that are already on the table.”
Rev. Fr. Joseph Blay, Environmentalist
He emphasized that urgent action was needed to prevent further destruction and to hold those responsible accountable.
When asked whether a state of emergency should be declared on Ghana’s water bodies, Rev. Fr. Blay strongly agreed, citing the continued destruction of water sources and the violent confrontations arising from illegal mining activities. He expressed deep concern over the rising security threats linked to illegal mining, noting that recent clashes had resulted in the loss of lives. He reiterated;
“Recently, we heard of an exchange of gunfire that claimed two lives, not to mention the incident in Obuasi. What is a state of emergency? It is when security is at risk. And as I revealed in my dissertation, ‘galamsey is a recipe for civil war‘, a recipe for insecurity.”
Rev. Fr. Joseph Blay, Environmentalist
When asked about lessons that could be learned from regions severely affected by illegal mining, Rev. Fr. Blay pointed to the devastating environmental consequences. He emphasized;
“Now, in the Western Region and even the whole of Ghana’s southern sector, all our rivers are destroyed. We have no potable water from any of our water bodies. We’ve even seen the emptying of these poisonous waters into our ocean.”
“Now, those areas that have not been tackled, for example, the Greater Accra Region, must be safeguarded to ensure that illegal miners do not infiltrate them.”
Rev. Fr. Joseph Blay, Environmentalist
Rev. Fr. Blay reiterated a long-standing concern that powerful individuals were behind illegal mining activities and must be held accountable. He referenced;
“In his campaign, the president said that there are ‘big men’ behind illegal mining. Now that he has the power, let us try to get hold of those big men. If the small boys have been arrested, they will either be freed or will not have the courage to proceed.”
Rev. Fr. Joseph Blay, Environmentalist
He insisted that the government must take decisive action to prosecute those at the top of the illegal mining network.
Rev. Fr. Joseph Blay’s remarks underscore the urgent need for Ghana to take decisive action against illegal mining. While he commended the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources for his advocacy, he stressed that existing laws must be fully enforced rather than creating new ones. His call to action serves as a reminder that Ghana’s natural resources are at risk and that immediate, bold measures are required to protect them.
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